Summer has arrived in Ottawa, bringing sunny days, outdoor fun and the perfect opportunity for a well-deserved vacation.

But before you pack your bags and set off on a summer getaway, take a few precautionary measures to protect your home and property while you’re away. Here are five ways you can safeguard your home to enjoy a worry-free holiday!

Install home security: Investing in a reliable home security system is one of the best ways to deter potential intruders. A system that includes alarms, video cameras, motion detectors and remote monitoring means you can keep an eye on your property from your devices while you’re away. 

Add timers to lights and electronics: When your home is dark for a few days, it can be noticeable to passersby, making your home an easy target. Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home. Set the timers to turn on and off at different times throughout the day, similar to your normal home routine. Smart plugs and smart devices can help connect your home to your device while you’re away to manually check in as to what is turned on or off.

Secure doors and windows: Inspect, lock and secure all access points to your home such as windows, doors, garages and basements. If you think some of your home’s entrances may need extra reinforcement, add security bars, dowels, sturdy locks or window security film that can help make them more resistant to break-ins. Finally, close any curtains at ground-level windows to help hide any valuables that may be on display.

Arrange mail and package pickup: If your mailbox is overflowing or packages are piling up at the door, this can be a telling sign that no one is home. Before leaving, put a hold on any mail or packages that you can and arrange for a neighbour to pick up the rest daily. 

Talk with your neighbours: If you have neighbours in your community that you trust, talk to them about your vacation plans and let them know how long you will be away for. They can keep an eye on your property and can report any suspicious activity to you, all while checking in regularly with your home. It’s also important for your insurance to have someone check your home inside and out, usually every two to three days.